Broadway Theaters to Dim Lights for Creel, Smith

In response to significant backlash from the Broadway community, the Broadway League has announced that all theaters will dim their lights in honor of recently deceased performers Gavin Creel, Maggie Smith, and Adrian Bailey. Initially, the League had planned to limit the dimming to only a select few theaters, sparking outrage and a petition that garnered over 20,000 signatures advocating for a full tribute. Creel, who passed away at 48 after a brief illness, was a beloved Tony winner, and the decision to honor him reflects the strong sentiment within the theater community regarding memorializing impactful figures. The dimming for Adrian Bailey is scheduled for October 17, 2024, while dates for Creel and Smith will be determined with their families. The League has also committed to reviewing its dimming policy following this incident. This situation highlights the ongoing debate about how to appropriately honor significant contributors to Broadway.